Given the recent, tragic death of Will Cullen Hart (The Olivia Tremor Control, The Circulatory System, etc.), anything associated with the venerable Elephant 6 collective is going to -- at least for a spell -- take on a somber vibe. And while like many fans, I miss Hart's talents gracing the world with art and music, my heart is warmed by the imprint putting out great music again.
Today's premiere is from The Rishis. We're fans of the band here, especially their debut album which featured a whole bunch of Elephant 6 folks. The band will be dropping their second album, the self-titled The Rishis on February 21. That one is already on our radar here, but we've got an early taste of it today.
"Robot Factory" is a slice of grinding indie rock. Think R.E.M.'s "Feeling Gravity's Pull" being deconstructed by a DIY outfit. Additional warped guitar from Mac McCaughan (Superchunk, Portastatic, solo) adds a heft to this that keeps the hook in the head after only a play or two. Play it more than that though.
Here's what Ranjan Avasthi of the band has to say about "Robot Factory":
"'Robot Factory' is a portrayal of life in a consumerist society. It tells of the dangers of uncontrolled capitalism and the billionaire overlords who force the working class robots to work in unsafe conditions for bare necessities like the ability to recharge, and health maintenance for their gears... Mac McCaughan did a great job with dissonant guitar throughout and Robbee Cucciaro really caught some wild notes making his brass sound like a herd of electronic elephants, and Sofie Lute brings it home with an earnestness that pleads for folks to wake up and unplug. It seems more and more difficult in today's society to not just work at the factory until we all fall apart."
The Rishis by The Rishis will be out on February 21, 2025, via Cloud Recordings / Primordial Void. Details via Elephant 6.
[Photo: The Rishis]